29th February, 2020 marked the fifteenth anniversary celebrations of Pune’s World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC), at Hotel Aurora Towers. Established in 2004, the Pune chapter of WZCC had indeed come a long way and had numerous accomplishments to reminisce and be proud of in these glorious and fruitful fifteen years

Speaking nostalgically on the occasion, Chapter Chair, Tehmasp Bharucha, reminisced the founders, supporters and well-wishers who were instrumental in establishing the Pune chapter, naming the late Dr. Kekie Grant, the Forbes, Damanias, Pudumjees, Anklesarias and Poonawalla amongst others. He stated it was “a moment of pride and pleasure, a moment to look back with dignity and to look forward with confidence and hope”.

Bharucha shared how WZCC Pune has focused on training, entrepreneurship, business planning, networking and mentoring, standing out as one of the most vibrant chapters employing innovative approaches and launching unique initiatives over the years. The chapter has made an immense impact by reaching out particularly to the youth and ladies – highly praising Pune’s Youth Wing and Women’s Entrepreneur Wing, which have conducted various events focusing on the aspirations of youth and women. In the future, WZCC is committed to encouraging and mentoring the youth in their entrepreneurial pursuits, having implemented the Entrepreneurship Funding Plan, facilitating active support and involvement.

The Chief Guest and Keynote speaker, Padmashree Lila Poonawalla, founder of Lila Poonawalla Foundation which has provided educational support to over ten thousand girls, appreciated the Parsi community for its role in providing and establishing the industrial base for the nation, recalling the unparalleled role of the Tatas, Godrej, Wadias – pioneers of industry, trade and commerce. She praised the good work done by Pune’s WZCC chapter and encouraged them to continue their excellent endeavours.

Also present at the function were the WZCC India Region Chairman – Captain Percy Master; Treasurer, WZCC India Region – Xerxes Dastur; members of the International Board – Adi Siganporia, Phily Kharas and CEO – Aspi Antia. Captain Percy Master congratulated the Pune chapter, complimenting the active role played by the past chapter chairs and other members. He extolled the contributions of present Chapter Chair – Tehmasp Bharucha. A trophy was presented by to WZCC Pune by the India Region and the International Board, received by Tehmasp Bharucha and past Chair, Viraf Deboo.

Next, an award ceremony was held, felicitating Zoroastrian achievers across four categories – the ‘Pune Pride Zoroastrian Entrepreneur Award’ was presented to Cawas Pundole of M/s CT Pundole & Sons, Pune; ‘Pune Pride Zoroastrian Professional Award’ was presented to Dr. Rustom Sohrab Wadia; ‘Pune Pride Zoroastrian Social Entrepreneur Award’ was presented to Sanaya Bharucha; and ‘Pune Pride Zoroastrian Youth Award’ was presented to Vahbiz Bharucha.

The function compared by Farrokh Bhathena and Farida Deboo. Youth representative Dinyar Mehta proposed the vote of thanks as the audience enjoyed the rest of the evening over cocktails and dinner and a live musical performance.